After a year of negotiations, the Pro Tech workers at Harrison Medical Center have voted by 98 percent to approve their new contract. Members spent June 26-27 voting on the contract.

“While these negotiations were difficult on everyone, we’re very pleased to have been able to come together on a contract agreement that is mutually beneficial,”said Scott Bosch, President and CEO of Harrison.”This agreement allow us to continue our mission of making a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional healthcare.”

According to a UFCW 21 press release, “the long campaign was different than most Harrison negotiations over the past several decades.” The campaign also included an authorized strike on June 10. It was after that vote for a strike authorization that bargaining finally took a turn for the better and a tentative agreement was reached.

Community support in the form of thousands of signs sprouted up around the Bremerton and Silverdale areas to show support for Harrison workers.

The new contract includes:

• Keeping the three year contract going through March 2017

• Wage increase and bonus package

• Maintaining the Health and Wellness plan with funding for the term of the contract

• Maintaining the ability for union workers to stand with fellow union workers in the case of a dispute

• Improvement of the grievance procedure

• Expanded access